Animals on Campus FAQ

This page outlines where pets, Emotional Support Animals (ESAs), and Service Animals are allowed on campus, along with key responsibilities and requirements. It also explains how to request accommodations and what to do if concerns or safety issues arise. Contact information is provided to help you connect with the appropriate office.

Table of Contents

Where are pets allowed on campus?

Pets are generally allowed in outdoor areas open to the public (such as lawns, sidewalks, and quads). Pets are not permitted inside University buildings, on athletic fields or other restricted outdoor spaces unless specifically authorized as part of an approved accommodation. Animal owners must follow Bozeman city ordinances (see Bozeman City Ordinance 8.02.080). All animals must be on leash and under their owner’s control at all times.

Where are Emotional Support Animals (ESAs) allowed on campus?

Emotional Support Animals (ESAs) are generally allowed in outdoor areas open to the public and the student’s assigned University housing unit (if approved as an accommodation). ESAs are not permitted in University buildings and facilities—including classrooms, libraries, dining areas, offices, residence halls, athletic facilities or other restricted spaces—unless the animal has been approved as a reasonable accommodation through the appropriate University office.

In University Student Housing, ESAs are only permitted in the student’s assigned residential unit after approval through the accommodation process.

Who do I contact to get approval for my Emotional Support Animal (ESA)?

For students, ESA approval is granted by the Office of Disability Services (ODS).

Office of Disability Services (ODS)
disabilityservices@montana.edu
(406) 994-2824

For employees, ESA approval is granted by Human Resource’s ADA and Leave Coordinator

ADA and Leave Coordinator
adacoordinator@montana.edu
406-994-2629

Where are Service Animals allowed on campus?

Service Animals, including Service Animals in Training, are generally allowed in all areas of campus that their owner/handler is allowed to access. Service Animals may be restricted from certain areas, including sterile environments (such as some laboratories), food preparation areas, biologically sensitive or hazardous zones, and specific research facilities. Individuals planning to bring a Service Animal into a laboratory must notify Research Integrity & Compliance and the appropriate accommodation office prior to bringing the animal to the laboratory.

What counts as disruptive or unsafe animal behavior?

An animal may be considered disruptive or unsafe if it interferes with the learning, working, or living environment, or poses a risk to others. Examples include:

• Repeated or excessive barking, whining, or other noise
• Growling, lunging, snapping, biting, or other aggressive behavior
• Jumping on people or furniture
• Running loose or not under the handler’s control
• Blocking walkways or entering restricted areas
• Strong or persistent odors or sanitation concerns
• Causing damage to University property

 What happens if an animal is disruptive?

If an animal is out of control or disruptive, and the owner does not take effective steps to correct the behavior, University staff may request that the animal be removed from the immediate area or from campus.

In many situations, the University will first provide a warning and an opportunity to correct the issue. However, depending on the severity of the behavior, temporary or permanent removal may be required under Section 700.00 of the policy.

When can a Service Animal be removed from a classroom, office, or campus space?

A Service Animal may be removed, either temporarily or permanently, from a University space if:

• the Service Animal is out of control and the owner does not take effective action to control it;
• the Service Animal is not housebroken;
• the Service Animal poses a direct threat to health or safety; or
• the Service Animal’s presence would fundamentally alter the nature of the University program or activity. Removal may be temporary or permanent depending on the circumstances.

In a classroom or other educational setting, an instructor may ask a student to remove an animal for the remainder of the class period if the animal is disruptive or poses a safety concern. In most situations, the student should first be given an opportunity to correct the behavior.

A Service Animal may not be removed simply because someone is afraid of animals, has allergies, or questions whether the individual has a disability.

When appropriate, employees should consult the Office of Disability Services (students and visitors) or the ADA and Leave Coordinator (employees) before taking action.

What should I do if an animal poses an immediate health or safety threat?

If an animal presents an immediate threat to health or safety (e.g., aggressive behavior, biting, uncontrolled animal), contact the University Police Department immediately at 911.

For non-emergency concerns, contact the appropriate University office listed in the Animals on Campus Policy.

What should I do if I have allergies or a phobia related to an animal on campus?

The University recognizes that allergies and phobias may affect an individual’s ability to live, learn, or work comfortably on campus. If you believe you need an accommodation due to an allergy or phobia involving an animal, contact the appropriate office to discuss options.

Student and visitor questions

Office of Disability Services (ODS)
disabilityservices@montana.edu
406-994-2824

Employee questions

Human Resources – ADA and Leave Coordinator
adacoordinator@montana.edu
406-994-2629

The University will work with all parties through an interactive process to determine whether any reasonable accommodations are necessary and appropriate.

Who do I contact with questions or to report a concern?

Student and visitor accommodation questions

Disability Services
disabilityservices@montana.edu
(406) 994-2824

Employee accommodation questions

Human Resources – ADA and Leave Coordinator
adacoordinator@montana.edu
(406) 994-2629

Safety or aggressive animal concerns

University Police
police@montana.edu
(406) 994-2121

In an emergency, dial 911.

Discrimination or denial of access

Campus Civil Rights
civilrights@montana.edu
(406) 994-1568

Who do I contact if I have questions about bringing a Service Animal to an event on campus?

For events at the Brick Breeden Fieldhouse and other athletic venues

Associate Director of Sports Facilities
Justin.pennel@montana.edu
(406) 994-4238

For events in the Strand Union Building (SUB) and other campus spaces

Director of Conference and Event Services
ryan.richer@montana.edu
(406) 994-3333

Can a supervisor approve an employee to bring an ESA or other support animal on campus?

Employees requesting to bring an ESA into University buildings or workspaces must go through the interactive accommodation process with Human Resource’s ADA and Leave Coordinator and obtain approval before bringing the animal into work areas. Supervisors, department heads, and other individual managers do not have the authority to independently approve an ESA or other support animal in the workplace.

Employees are not required to seek approval before bringing a Service Animal on campus, with the exception of certain restricted or sensitive areas (e.g., laboratories and research facilities).

Who is responsible for the care and supervision of a Service Animal or Emotional Support Animal?

Owners are responsible for caring for and supervising their animals, including feeding, toileting, grooming, and veterinary care. The University or other covered entities are not required to supervise or care for Service Animals or Emotional Support Animals.

Are emotional support, therapy, comfort, or companion animals considered Service Animals under the ADA?

No. Animals whose primary role is to provide comfort or emotional support simply by being present—such as emotional support, therapy, comfort, or companion animals—are not considered Service Animals under the ADA because they are not trained to perform a specific task related to a disability.

What should employees do if they see an animal in a University building?

If an animal is present in a building and its status is unclear, employees may politely ask:

“Is this a Service Animal required because of a disability?”

If the individual responds “yes,” no further questions should be asked. Employees should not request documentation, certification, proof of training, or details about the individual’s disability.

If the individual responds “no,” employees may refer the individual to the Animals on Campus Policy for information about where animals are permitted.

Employees, other than those offices designated to approve animal accommodations, should not attempt to determine whether the individual’s response is “sufficient.” If concerns remain, such as disruptive behavior, safety issues, or policy questions, employees should refer the matter to the appropriate office:

• Student-related concerns: Dean of Students or Disability Services
• Employee-related concerns: Employee ADA and Leave Coordinator or Human Resources
• Safety concerns: University Police Department

How can University employees identify a Service Animal, and are there any proof or identification requirements?

Service animals are not required to wear a vest, ID tag, or special harness. Employees may not request documentation, certification, proof of training, or inquire about the individual’s disability. If it is not obvious that the dog is a Service Animal, employees may ask one question: Is the dog a Service Animal required because of a disability?

Who do I contact to post signs on University Buildings about animals?

Contact University Compliance at compliance@montana.edu.

Additional Resources

• Service Animals | ADA.gov at https://www.ada.gov/topics/service-animals/
• ADA Requirements: Service Animals | ADA.gov at https://www.ada.gov/resources/service-animals-2010-requirements/
• Frequently Asked Questions about Service Animals and the ADA | ADA.gov at https://www.ada.gov/resources/service-animals-faqs/
• https://www.bozeman.net/departments/finance/animal-pet-licensing-and-permits

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